While meeting with a co-worker during a one on one brainstorming session I presented a few ideas and she shared hers.  We had some great thoughts and after several hours of collaboration decided she would present the best one to the boss during their next meeting.  Trusting her turned out to be a big mistake.

“ ‘Do not steal.  “ ‘Do not lie.  “ ‘Do not deceive one another.  “ ‘Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him.  “ ‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.  Leviticus 19:11 & 13 (New International Version)

She presented the idea as her own and made it seem as though I just pulled some data together at her request.  To make matters worse, our idea is being rolled out to the entire company and it looks like it’s all her.  Did she want the glory?  A reason to ask for more money?

If you have been the thief in a situation like this it’s time to face the music.  Apologize to those you have hurt in the past and don’t do it again.  The bible reminds us throughout both new & old testaments that stealing leads straight to death.  In this case I’m thinking it could be a career ender.

Perhaps you, like me, have been the victim.  If that’s the case forgive and move on.  Remember that you reap what you sow and God’s got your back.

In case you’re wondering I have a new approach for idea sharing.  Either I share in a larger group setting or I send an email after a brainstorming pow-wow recapping the discussion.  Save a copy, print a copy… just in case.

Stoplight Prayer:  Father in heaven, thank you for blessing me with the job that I have.  Help me to work together with others and give us the opportunity to shine.

Hungry for More:  Proverbs 10:2 tells it like it is and 1 Timothy 6:3-10 reminds us what happens we think about money.